Summers are filled with fun and relaxation, but unfortunately hot summer days are coming to an end and that means going back to school is on almost every child’s (and parent’s) mind. Whether you’re looking forward to sending the kids off to school and reclaiming the couch or dreading an empty house, spend the last month of summer the right way. Hit the beach, explore a park or even see a movie under the stars, there is little time left before hitting the books and staying home is optional. Check out these nine great trips to take before the kids head back to school.

Go Tubing on the River

Tubing is fun for all ages and a great way to cool off in the summer heat. Take the kids down East Central Wisconsin’s Wolf River in Langlade County and experience one of the fastest-flowing rivers in the Midwest. In Northwest Wisconsin cool down on the Apple River or the Chippewa River. For a complete listing of tubing rentals, view the rafting and tubing directory.

Go to a Drive in Movie Theater

Even in the age of IMAX, Wisconsin has ten drive-in theaters still in operation. Watch a movie under the stars at Big Sky Drive In Theatre in the Wisconsin Dells where even your pets are welcome at the theatre. Big Sky Drive In Theatre offers two movies for the price of one, you can’t beat that! For a complete lisitng of drive in movie theaters, view the drive in movie theaters directory.

Find a Baseball Game in Wisconsin

Take me out to the ball game! Stick around after the game for more fun. Miller Park’s Field of Sweet Dreams is a once-a-year event for Brewers fans of all ages. Guests spend the night in the park with activities and friends under the stars and with your camping gear. Watch the post-game fireworks with the Timber Rattlers in Appleton on Saturdays this summer. On select nights the Beloit Snappers also have fireworks.

Here is a list of all Professional and Semi-Professional Baseball teams in Wisconsin.

Check out the Racetrack

Feel the need for speed. La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in Southwest Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s only NASCAR sanctioned asphalt race track. Cheer on the competitors and be a part of the excitement as your favorite driver crosses the finish line. Also, head over to Elkhart Lake, in East Central Wisconsin and experience some of the top motorsports events in the country at Road America, INC. Take a look at this beautiful course, where fans say they feel like part of the community at this one of a kind racing experience. For a complete lisitng of motorsports, view the spectator sports directory.

Visit the World’s Greatest Water Parks

Wisconsin Dells is home to the world’s largest water park, Noah’s Ark where you can relax on lazy rivers or seek out the thrill rides like the Black Anaconda and the new four-lane mat racing ride, “Quadzilla”. At Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Parks take on Poseidon’s Rage which unleashes waves up to 9 feet tall. Be prepared to get soaked and bring some sunscreen, this summer just keeps getting hotter! For a complete lisitng of water parks, view the water parks and pools directory.

Visit the Green Bay Packers Training Camp

Take the kids and check out Green Bay Packers as they prepare for their season. Training camp practices are open to the public. Also, the Packers Experience, a free interactive training camp playground lets young fans participate in skills challenges and play on the inflatable football games. Check out the *Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame while visiting!

Visit the Ocean-Like Beaches on Wisconsin's Great Lakes

Beaches along Wisconsin’s Great lakes coastline will make anyone feel like they’re at the ocean. North Beach on Lake Michigan in Racine was selected by USA Today as one of the “51 Great American Beaches”. Travel up to Kohler-Andrae State Park Beach and see the majestic sand dunes and miles of golden beach. Bring a book or build a sand castle, going to the beach is what summer is all about! For a complete listing of Wisconsin beaches and other water activities, view the water attractions directory.

Hike Underground

Choose a hot summer day to visit the Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds. The cave is the same cool 50 degrees every day of the year. This National Natural Landmark offers guided tours through its nooks and crannies. The kids will love it when they turn off all the lights . . . for just a few seconds! In Northwest Wisconsin, Crystal Cave in Spring Valley also offers a cool underground hike to see those famous stalactites and stalagmites. Panning for gold and picnic areas can be found at both cave sites. For a complete listing of Wisconsin caves, view the natural attractions directory.

Find the Best Ice Cream in Wisconsin

This is Wisconsin, America’s Dairyland, so we suggest you take advantage of that. Take a seat at the counter at Mullen’s Dairy in Watertown and enjoy old time soda fountain treats. Treat the kids to a cone from Babcock Hall Dairy Store on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison. Try a scoop of Berry Alvarez or Pumpkin Cream Pie. Yum! Locals love Leon’s Custard in Milwaukee, a drive in with 50’s nostalgia and the World’s Finest Custard. Up in the Northwoods, stroll through downtowns in places like Eagle River and Bayfield and you’ll find the perfect ice cream treat to keep everyone smiling. Ahhh, a perfect way to end a summer evening. For a complete listing of ice cream and frozen custard, view the dining directory.